European Xbox 360 price cut is official

Microsoft will officially lower the prices of all its Xbox 360 units in Europe from 14th March.

The biggest saving will be made on the Premium unit, which drops by GBP 50 (EUR 80) down to GBP 199.99 (EUR 269.99).

Elsewhere the Arcade model will become the cheapest new-generation model at GBP 159.99 (EUR 199.99), while the Elite will fall to GBP 259.99 (EUR 369.99). That's GBP 40 off the current price in both instances.

"Xbox 360 is now mass market in Europe," said Chris Lewis, bigwig at Microsoft Entertainment Europe. "We have reached and surpassed several key milestones that form part of our long term strategic plan to achieve critical mass in Europe; and our portfolio now offers the kind of mainstream entertainment experiences that secure wider appeal for Xbox 360.

"History shows that GBP 159.99 is the price point where a console's audience begins to expand, and with these new ERPs in place we're ready to bring more consumers into the Xbox 360 world."

The announcement comes after the German Financial Times reported that the platform holder would reduce the cost of its console throughout our region.